Monday, November 9, 2009

Tutorial- Carnations in Silk Ribbon Embroidery

These are some interesting facts that I have just discovered about Carnations.

It is the January Birth Flower

Stands for Fascination and Woman's Love

Is a member of the Dianthus Family

from the Greek Words

Dios - God Zeus and anthus - Flower

( The flower of God )

If you are considering an embroidery

project for someone special, you may

like to consider these for choosing a Carnation

Colour.

Pink Carnation - Mother's Love

Light Red Carnation - Admiration

Dark Red - Deep Love and Woman' Affection

White - Pure Love and Good Luck

( No wonder they are a prominent flower for

Weddings )

I am working this in Cascade House Bias Silk Ribbon 10 mm.

For the 1 Flower as shown you will require approximately:

.5 Metre 10 mm. Bias

.5 Metre of 4 mm. Green Ribbon

.5 Metre of Green Embroidery Thread.

Step 1: Using an erasable pen mark out the stem of the flower.With 2 strands of Emb.Thread stitch this in Chain Stitch.

Step 2: Wrap the Chain with 2 strands of the same thread.This gives a more raised stem for the carnation.( Whipped Chain Stitch )

( In this instance the flower is formed by stitching from the

outside of the circle and finished off in the centre.)

Step 3: Mark a circle for the flower head. I have allowed2.5 cms. diameter. Bring the ribbon up through just insidethe outer edge of the circle.( So the entry point of the ribbonwill be covered by the next row of gathering )With matching sewing thread run small gathering stitches2 cms long along the base of the ribbon, pull in to forma petal and stitch down to the fabric with a few smalltacking stitches.

Step 4: Continue with the gathered petals for 2 layers.As you get to the centre, take the gathering through thecentre of the ribbon, not the base. This will makethe petals smaller and tighter for the centre of the flower.

Step 5: The Buds are made the same way withsmall gathering stitches. I have 3 lots ofgathering, but have placed it one on top of theother. (covering a smaller area but giving more height. )

Step 6: Three small ribbon stitches are placed with thegreen ribbon at the base of the bud, and a DetachedChain Stitch for the new bud. Leaves are RibbonStitch.

It is possible to do this flower in 7 mm. or 13 mm Ribbon,just alter the size of the circle to suit.I have also made these with organza ribbon, or an organzaand silk ribbon combination. ( eg. 13 mm Organza with the7 mm. Silk Ribbon - tacked together first at the base. )Such as in the photo below.